Schools across Northeast Ohio are closing fast this morning. A fresh burst of lake effect snow is hammering the morning commute. I confirm Cleveland Metropolitan School District and more than 100 other districts have canceled classes today. Multiple counties have Level 2 snow emergencies. Travel is hazardous, and visibility drops quickly in squalls.
What’s closed and how to check your district
Our newsroom is updating the FOX 8 school closings page in real time with closures and delays. The list is growing as new bands flare up and road crews struggle to keep pace. Expect more districts to flip from delay to full closure as snow rates spike near the lake and into the Snowbelt.
If you need to verify your school, do it now. The system is simple and quick.
- Go to the FOX 8 school closings page.
- Type your district or school name in the search bar.
- Refresh every few minutes for new updates.
- Opt in for text or email alerts, if available.
Check again before you head out. Districts often update their status in the final hour when road and bus reports come in.
Why the lake effect is so intense today
This is classic Lake Erie lake effect. Cold air is pouring over relatively mild water. That temperature contrast builds clouds fast, then squeezes out heavy snow. A steady northwest wind is aiming the main band at Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties. The band will wobble at times, which shifts the hot spots by a few miles.
Lake effect is hyper local. One neighborhood can see two inches an hour. Three miles away, streets look just wet. That sharp gradient explains why some districts delay, while others shut down for the day. Snow, wind, and quick ice patches are the triple threat for buses and teen drivers.
Wider climate signals also play a role. The Great Lakes are staying ice free for longer into winter. Warmer, open water feeds stronger lake effect bursts when cold air visits. We are seeing shorter winters over many decades, yet more intense lake effect windows in some years. Today is one of those windows.
What a Level 2 snow emergency means for you
Level 2 means roads are hazardous. Packed snow and drifting are likely. Only drive if it is necessary, and slow down if you must go. Give plows and salt trucks the room they need. Black ice forms fast under these bursts, especially on bridges and ramps.
If you do not need to drive this morning, do not. Visibility can drop in seconds inside a lake effect band.
If you must travel, plan for delays and carry a simple kit:
- Full phone charge and car charger
- Warm layers, hat, gloves, and boots
- Small shovel and traction, like sand or kitty litter
- Snacks and a half tank of fuel or more
Sustainability in a snow day world
Snow days are not just about lost time. They are a chance to rethink winter operations. Many districts now switch to remote plans, which keeps buses off roads during peak snow and reduces idling emissions. Cities are testing brine and smart salting to cut rock salt use, which helps protect rivers and Lake Erie.
Winter is changing. Average cold snaps are shorter, but warm lakes can juice lake effect when the wind lines up. Schools and road crews are adapting with flexible schedules, targeted plowing, and better storm timing. That mix keeps students safe and lowers the carbon and salt footprint of a storm response.
What to expect through today
The main lake effect band will drift with wind shifts into late morning. Some zones will see a break, then a quick hit again as the band pivots. Road conditions will improve in gaps, then worsen under the next burst. Afternoon travel should slowly get better as winds ease and crews catch up, but plan for slick spots into the evening.
Keep checking the FOX 8 closings page and your district alerts. Watch for updated advisories from county sheriffs and emergency managers. If winds back to the west or northwest tonight, a lighter round of squalls could redevelop along the same corridors.
Conclusion
This is a dynamic snow day, and safety comes first. With CMSD and more than 100 districts closed, students and staff should stay home and stay warm. Let the plows work, shovel in short shifts, and clear a path to your nearest fire hydrant if you can. Keep your eye on the band, your hand on the wheel if you must drive, and your browser on the FOX 8 closings page for the latest updates.
